Center for Democracy and Civic Life Peer Leader Positions [PAID] Applications for 2025 - 2026 due April 4, 2025


The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to play leading roles in its 2025 - 2026 programs as affiliates (peer leaders) with the Center. Affiliates include STRiVE coaches (undergraduate students only), Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders (undergraduate and graduate students), and ConnectionCorps participants (undergraduate and graduate students).

Applications for affiliate positions are due Friday, April 4, 2025. Use this form to apply. Read on for more information about the positions.

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STRiVE coaches

STRiVE is an immersive five-day leadership for public purpose program for UMBC undergraduate students organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the Student Government Association. STRiVE helps inspire and support students in becoming more effective leaders and contributors to their communities, especially the UMBC community. STRiVE participants develop friendships; discover their strengths and values; learn how to work more effectively in groups; envision contributions they could make at UMBC; engage issues relating to identity, privilege, and systemic oppression; and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. STRiVE 2026 will take place from January 12 - 16, 2026.

STRiVE 2026 will be facilitated by a team of staff and undergraduate student coaches organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff. Together, the coaches will rehearse sessions and make plans for an intensive, engaging STRiVE experience for participants. Each student coach will be paired with a staff coach to facilitate activities for a small group (a “pod”) that will meet regularly during STRiVE. Coaches will be trained to facilitate pod and large group sessions.

Required time commitments for STRiVE coaches include:
  • Fall 2025 Time Commitment:
    • Coach Retreat #1: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (in person)
    • Regular meetings and independent work with your staff pod coach partner, co-facilitators, and Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff throughout the semester, with an average time commitment of 1 hour per week (scheduled independently)
  • Winter 2025 Time Commitment:
    • Regular meetings and independent work with your staff pod coach partner and co-facilitators, until STRiVE (scheduled independently)
    • Coach Retreat #2: Monday, January 5, 2026, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (in person)
    • Coach Retreat #3: Friday, January 9, 2026, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (in person)
    • STRiVE Program: Monday, January 12 - Friday, January 16, 2026, all day (in person)
    • One 1.5 hour debrief meeting (date, time, and format TBD) post-STRiVE
These are substantial commitments that STRiVE coaches are expected to balance with their classes and other activities and responsibilities.

STRiVE coaches receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-04) on their transcript for winter 2026.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have previously participated in STRiVE will be given preference in the selection process.

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Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience for undergraduate and graduate UMBC students. During ASB, participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore, spending most of the week in small groups focusing on a specific issue or challenge. ASB groups work with community partners, elected officials, and scholars, in part to help participants identify their own pathways to long-term community engagement. ASB 2026 will take place during the week of UMBC’s Spring Break: March 16 - 20, 2026.

ASB 2026 will be developed by a team of student leaders organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during the summer 2025, fall 2025, and spring 2026 semesters. Together, the leaders will develop plans for a holistic, empowering ASB experience for participants.

ASB leaders will work in pairs to develop small group experiences exploring social issues in Baltimore. Past ASB groups have explored challenges and solutions relating to equitable access to housing, nutritious food, and health care; disability justice; support for youth impacted by intimate partner violence; and a variety of other issues. Leader pairs can develop an experience relating to one of these topics, or to a new topic they propose.

Required time commitments for ASB leaders include:
  • Summer 2025 Time Commitment:
    • Leadership Retreat 1: Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (virtual)
    • Leadership Retreat 2: Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, 2025, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (virtual)
    • Regular meetings and independent work with your partner and Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff in between the two leadership retreats, with an average time commitment of 2 hours per week (scheduled independently)
  • Fall 2025 Time Commitment:
    • Regular meetings with Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff every Friday from 10 a.m. - noon between September 5 and December 5, 2025 (in person)
    • Regular meetings and independent work with your partner throughout the semester (scheduled independently)
  • Spring 2026 Time Commitment
    • Leadership Retreat 3: Saturday, March 7, 2025, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (in person)
    • Regular meetings and independent work with your partner and Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff throughout the semester, until ASB (scheduled independently)
    • Alternative Spring Break Program: Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20, 2025, all day (in person)
    • One 1.5 hour debrief meeting (date, time, and format TBD) post-ASB
These are substantial commitments that ASB leaders will need to balance with their classes and other activities and responsibilities.

ASB leaders receive a $2,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-03) on their transcripts for fall 2025 and spring 2026.

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have previously participated in ASB will be given preference in the selection process.

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ConnectionCorps participants

ConnectionCorps is a training program for UMBC undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to build skills in facilitating conversations that encourage authentic connection and democratic participation.

During the fall semester, members of the ConnectionCorps cohort participate in weekly training sessions, which will take place on Fridays between September 5 and December 5, 2025 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Participants also have optional opportunities throughout the semester to hone their skills by facilitating small group conversations within Center programs.

These are substantial commitments that ConnectionCorps participants are expected to balance with class schedules, and other activities and responsibilities.

ConnectionCorps participants will have an opportunity to apply to continue the program in the spring semester to further hone their skills by developing and facilitating their own “Connectionary” dialogue programs in consultation with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life team. The application for the spring portion of ConnectionCorps will be released in November 2025.

ConnectionCorps participants receive a $250 stipend during the fall portion of the program and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-05) on their transcripts for fall 2025.

ConnectionCorps participants selected to join the spring portion of the program will receive an additional $750 stipend.

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. (Important: This application is only for the fall portion of ConnectionCorps. Applicants do not need to commit now to applying for the second portion in the spring.)

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Use this form to apply to be a STRiVE coach, Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leader, and/or ConnectionCorps participant for the 2025 - 2026 academic year. Again, applications are due Friday, April 4, 2025.

If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at civiclife@umbc.edu.
]]> The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to play leading roles in its 2025 - 2026 programs as affiliates (peer leaders) with the Center. Affiliates... https://civiclife.umbc.edu/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147858/guest@my.umbc.edu/0e91afce7fc011bb631d7a1d392fefd4/api/pixel UMBC Graduate Student Association https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xsmall.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/original.png?1688588974 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xxlarge.png?1688588974 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xlarge.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/large.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/medium.png?1688588974 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/small.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xsmall.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xxsmall.png?1688588974 UMBC Graduate Student Association 0 0 true Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:47:57 -0500 Real Estate Industry Panel - TODAY!
Hello Retriever Entrepreneurs! Have you ever wondered how to start a business in the real estate industry? This workshop is for you!

Our next event of the semester will be held Wednesday, TODAY from 4-5pm in University Center 310!

During this workshop, three entrepreneurs will discuss their experience and share their expertise in the real estate industry. A wide range of topics will be covered including:
           ● Starting a Real Estate business while in college
           ● Short term rentals
           ● Long term residential and commercial rentals
           ● Rehabs/Flips
           ● Short term lending
           ● Real estate investment
           ● Real estate broker
           ● Data driven decision making

Students, faculty, alumni, and members of the business community are welcome to attend! 

We hope to see you there!
]]> Hello Retriever Entrepreneurs! Have you ever wondered how to start a business in the real estate industry? This workshop is for you! Our next event of the semester will be held Wednesday,... Flyer https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/295cbc83956e365f3f80a5ac0c6084bc/6a6428b9/news/000/147/763/7f4c6b53a424a4029eeda7634a2e235f/Real Estate Industry Panel.pdf?1741010160 https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147763/guest@my.umbc.edu/b561762ff503be0476bb629facfe7993/api/pixel Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/entrepreneurship https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xsmall.png?1771000363 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/original.jpg?1771000363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xxlarge.png?1771000363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xlarge.png?1771000363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/large.png?1771000363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/medium.png?1771000363 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/small.png?1771000363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xsmall.png?1771000363 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/092/53c03b106bdc6e19e4bf0a41b5a37add/xxsmall.png?1771000363 The Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship 0 0 true Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:53:58 -0500 Black & Gold Rush Starts NOW! Donate to RE during our BIGGEST Donation Drive!

Today is the day! Black & Gold Rush has commenced! Please support us TODAY in our efforts as a donations-based program to alleviate food insecurity on UMBC Campus. We thank you for your support! Direct link to donate is here.
]]> Today is the day! Black & Gold Rush has commenced! Please support us TODAY in our efforts as a donations-based program to alleviate food insecurity on UMBC Campus. We thank you for your... Photo https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/32149ba973d838268594f627ee37a0c9/6a6428b9/news/000/147/853/f9cf421320995e6cf0b1551edaec7817/Black & Gold Rush Generic - Black.png?1741181167 https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147853/guest@my.umbc.edu/37fc18720ce3abd25aa32f651c3a9a78/api/pixel Retriever Essentials https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrieveressentials https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/xsmall.png?1762874117 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/original.png?1762874117 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/xxlarge.png?1762874117 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/xlarge.png?1762874117 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/large.png?1762874117 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/medium.png?1762874117 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/small.png?1762874117 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/xsmall.png?1762874117 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/389/07b12dca5bf1da16311c6d47125fe746/xxsmall.png?1762874117 Retriever Essentials 1 0 true Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:48:14 -0500 MEETING TOMORROW: ALUMNI TALK! (ROOM CHANGE!!!) ALUMNI TALK!
Hi friends!!

I hope this memo finds you feeling filled with immeasurable joy and overflowing with glee. REALLY IMPORTANT: our room for tomorrow is going to be PAHB 107!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS JUST FOR THIS WEEK. NEXT WEEK WE WILL BE BACK IN OUR NORMAL ROOM. 

Tomorrow's meeting is extra special because a UMBC Philosophy Alumni will be coming to give a talk. It's going to be super interesting, so you definitely don't want to miss it! (Especially if you are or are working towards or considering a major, minor, or certificate in philosophy!)

I hope to see y'all there!!!

All my love,

The Queen
]]> Hi friends!! I hope this memo finds you feeling filled with immeasurable joy and overflowing with glee. REALLY IMPORTANT: our room for tomorrow is going to be PAHB 107!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS JUST... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147852/guest@my.umbc.edu/78f9b5eaeda2116c5ab86c03d795fb90/api/pixel Philosophers Anonymous https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/philanon https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/xsmall.png?1724608252 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/original.png?1724608252 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/xxlarge.png?1724608252 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/xlarge.png?1724608252 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/large.png?1724608252 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/medium.png?1724608252 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/small.png?1724608252 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/xsmall.png?1724608252 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/569/6090ea4aaa67546aada70551896be84f/xxsmall.png?1724608252 Philosophers Anonymous 0 0 true Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:36:35 -0500 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:39:59 -0500 Pay It Forward: Support the UMBC Internship & Service Fund! Donate to the Black & Gold Rush- March 5-6, 2025

If your internship helped you get to where you are today, consider paying it forward!

Internships and service experiences are game-changers- they open doors, build confidence, and shape careers. But for many UMBC students, financial barriers stand in the way of these opportunities.

The UMBC Intern & Service Fund is here to change that. Your support ensures that every student, regardless of financial situation, can access career-building experiences.

During Black & Gold Rush, contribute to Transformative Experiences- Internship & Service Fund and help students access transformative experiences. 

GIVE TODAY: https://give.umbc.edu/campaigns/56443/donations/new?designation=transformativeexperiences

]]> If your internship helped you get to where you are today, consider paying it forward! Internships and service experiences are game-changers- they open doors, build confidence, and... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VicHOoaRBRI https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147850/guest@my.umbc.edu/874bc6c20f1e6ffb613367ba3ae51abe/api/pixel Career Center https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xsmall.png?1411655278 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/original.jpg?1411655278 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xxlarge.png?1411655278 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xlarge.png?1411655278 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/large.png?1411655278 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/medium.png?1411655278 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/small.png?1411655278 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xsmall.png?1411655278 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xxsmall.png?1411655278 Career Center https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/xxlarge.jpg?1741137531 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/xlarge.jpg?1741137531 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/large.jpg?1741137531 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/medium.jpg?1741137531 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/small.jpg?1741137531 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/xsmall.jpg?1741137531 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/850/665d92aa06e293fdb45ec118e1c206d5/xxsmall.jpg?1741137531 0 0 true Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:22:36 -0500 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:58:58 -0500 Upcoming events
Exciting news!

The Graduate School is launching our gradSERU survey campaign, “Your Voice, Our Commitment, Shaping a Better Graduate Student Experience.”  

This survey aims to gauge the graduate Student Experience at the Research University (SERU) at UMBC. The participants will have an opportunity to be one of the 10 winners of $500 in Retriever dollars. 

*Retriever dollars can be used to pay for tuition, buy books, event tickets, UMBC apparel, etc.

The survey goes live tomorrow, March 5. Look at your email for an email from Etio. The sooner you complete the survey, the more chances you have to win.

Events hosted on March 5:


We hope to see you tomorrow!
]]> Exciting news! The Graduate School is launching our gradSERU survey campaign, “Your Voice, Our Commitment, Shaping a Better Graduate Student Experience.”   This survey aims to gauge the... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147851/guest@my.umbc.edu/61632e6d5759c9b865a454c4173f4d27/api/pixel Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xsmall.png?1781730740 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/original.png?1781730740 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xxlarge.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xlarge.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/large.png?1781730740 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/medium.png?1781730740 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/small.png?1781730740 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xsmall.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xxsmall.png?1781730740 Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/xxlarge.jpg?1741137236 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/xlarge.jpg?1741137236 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/large.jpg?1741137236 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/medium.jpg?1741137236 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/small.jpg?1741137236 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/xsmall.jpg?1741137236 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/851/b0711a154aa7ceb9768d7ef9f7f6a9df/xxsmall.jpg?1741137236 0 0 false Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:17:15 -0500 Join UMBC Transit to Donate to the Black and Gold Rush! Every dollar makes an impact

Hello Retrievers and Valued Riders,

We hope this message finds you well. We have an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact by participating in the Black & Gold Rush—UMBC's annual fundraising campaign dedicated to supporting our students. TheBlack & Gold Rush is more than a fundraising campaign; it is a chance to showcase the impact of our work and rally our community to support UMBC students. This year's goal is 1,966 donors; every gift helps strengthen student programs and services. Just $10 will go a long way in supporting our students.

The campaign begins tomorrow, March 5, at 9 AM through March 6, at 9 PM EST, but you can donate today! And our areas of priority and focus as the Division of Student Affairs (DoSA) are:

  1. Health & Wellbeing
  2. Student Support/Basic Needs
  3. Transformative Experiences

Dr. Kersh will donate up to $1,000 for each priority area as a matching bonus to our gifts. So, let's join in and encourage students, colleagues, and campus partners to participate and give to a great cause.

We will promote this campaign on social media using #BlackAndGoldRush. If you can give and have social media, please tag transit and use the hashtag #BlackAndGoldRush.

Let's come together, give generously, and show the strength of our UMBC community. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

Your Transit Team - Driving Student Success

]]> Hello Retrievers and Valued Riders, We hope this message finds you well. We have an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact by participating in the Black & Gold Rush—UMBC's annual... https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofMarylandBaltimoreCounty/black-gold-rush/sharing/9714310 Image https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/a2c66defc8e5adf7b9f5e1328f233020/6a6428b9/news/000/147/849/d53c5e84ac1394c348427ecbcb37a617/Email Header 3 - Black & Gold Rush 2025.png?1741128443 https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147849/guest@my.umbc.edu/52330b1d1006623268cd47d265171609/api/pixel UMBC Transit https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/transit https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/xsmall.png?1448285304 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/original.png?1448285304 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/xxlarge.png?1448285304 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/xlarge.png?1448285304 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/large.png?1448285304 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/medium.png?1448285304 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/small.png?1448285304 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/xsmall.png?1448285304 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/592/23ec211d0365be0665abf1354689014d/xxsmall.png?1448285304 UMBC Transit https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/xxlarge.jpg?1741128534 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/xlarge.jpg?1741128534 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/large.jpg?1741128534 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/medium.jpg?1741128534 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/small.jpg?1741128534 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/xsmall.jpg?1741128534 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/849/ed1e58abef75dc1220cbcd680cce87b0/xxsmall.jpg?1741128534 0 0 true Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:54:02 -0500 Mon, 12 May 2025 12:04:01 -0400 SWE Feb-Mar Newsletter Hello SWE Members! Welcome to this month’s SWE Newsletter! Stay informed and engaged with the latest events and opportunities from UMBC-SWE. Explore what’s ahead, get involved, and make the most of every opportunity. ]]> Welcome to this month’s SWE Newsletter! Stay informed and engaged with the latest events and opportunities from UMBC-SWE. Explore what’s ahead, get involved, and make the most of every opportunity. Newsletter https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/b2f1af7548d9b9d3c486b029128bcd4f/6a6428b9/news/000/147/848/33c6343b93ceaedd75b7b49aa7658af9/SWE Feb-Mar Newsletter.pdf?1741128512 https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147848/guest@my.umbc.edu/90f252f37f22330f4001f6fe2560de9d/api/pixel newsletter swe umbc Society of Women Engineers https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/swe https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/xsmall.png?1441121952 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/original.jpg?1441121952 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/xxlarge.png?1441121952 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/xlarge.png?1441121952 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/large.png?1441121952 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/medium.png?1441121952 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/small.png?1441121952 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/xsmall.png?1441121952 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/179/29093d10b0c57f776c78f839d0203739/xxsmall.png?1441121952 Society of Women Engineers https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/xxlarge.jpg?1741128147 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/xlarge.jpg?1741128147 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/large.jpg?1741128147 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/medium.jpg?1741128147 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/small.jpg?1741128147 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/xsmall.jpg?1741128147 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/848/121f191c805b16014c2ddcc64575db18/xxsmall.jpg?1741128147 0 0 true Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:51:18 -0500 Center for Democracy and Civic Life Peer Leader Positions [PAID] Applications for 2025 - 2026 due April 4, 2025 The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to play leading roles in its 2025 - 2026 programs as affiliates (peer leaders) with the Center. Affiliates include STRiVE coaches (undergraduate students only), Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders (undergraduate and graduate students), and ConnectionCorps participants (undergraduate and graduate students).

Applications for affiliate positions are due Friday, April 4, 2025. Use this form to apply. Read on for more information about the positions.

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STRiVE coaches

STRiVE is an immersive five-day leadership for public purpose program for UMBC undergraduate students organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the Student Government Association. STRiVE helps inspire and support students in becoming more effective leaders and contributors to their communities, especially the UMBC community. STRiVE participants develop friendships; discover their strengths and values; learn how to work more effectively in groups; envision contributions they could make at UMBC; engage issues relating to identity, privilege, and systemic oppression; and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. STRiVE 2026 will take place from January 12 - 16, 2026.

STRiVE 2026 will be facilitated by a team of staff and undergraduate student coaches organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff. Together, the coaches will rehearse sessions and make plans for an intensive, engaging STRiVE experience for participants. Each student coach will be paired with a staff coach to facilitate activities for a small group (a “pod”) that will meet regularly during STRiVE. Coaches will be trained to facilitate pod and large group sessions.

Required time commitments for STRiVE coaches include: These are substantial commitments that STRiVE coaches are expected to balance with their classes and other activities and responsibilities.

STRiVE coaches receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-04) on their transcript for winter 2026.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have previously participated in STRiVE will be given preference in the selection process.

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Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience for undergraduate and graduate UMBC students. During ASB, participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore, spending most of the week in small groups focusing on a specific issue or challenge. ASB groups work with community partners, elected officials, and scholars, in part to help participants identify their own pathways to long-term community engagement. ASB 2026 will take place during the week of UMBC’s Spring Break: March 16 - 20, 2026.

ASB 2026 will be developed by a team of student leaders organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during the summer 2025, fall 2025, and spring 2026 semesters. Together, the leaders will develop plans for a holistic, empowering ASB experience for participants.

ASB leaders will work in pairs to develop small group experiences exploring social issues in Baltimore. Past ASB groups have explored challenges and solutions relating to equitable access to housing, nutritious food, and health care; disability justice; support for youth impacted by intimate partner violence; and a variety of other issues. Leader pairs can develop an experience relating to one of these topics, or to a new topic they propose.

Required time commitments for ASB leaders include: These are substantial commitments that ASB leaders will need to balance with their classes and other activities and responsibilities.

ASB leaders receive a $2,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-03) on their transcripts for fall 2025 and spring 2026.

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have previously participated in ASB will be given preference in the selection process.

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ConnectionCorps participants

ConnectionCorps is a training program for UMBC undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to build skills in facilitating conversations that encourage authentic connection and democratic participation.

During the fall semester, members of the ConnectionCorps cohort participate in weekly training sessions, which will take place on Fridays between September 5 and December 5, 2025 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Participants also have optional opportunities throughout the semester to hone their skills by facilitating small group conversations within Center programs.

These are substantial commitments that ConnectionCorps participants are expected to balance with class schedules, and other activities and responsibilities.

ConnectionCorps participants will have an opportunity to apply to continue the program in the spring semester to further hone their skills by developing and facilitating their own “Connectionary” dialogue programs in consultation with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life team. The application for the spring portion of ConnectionCorps will be released in November 2025.

ConnectionCorps participants receive a $250 stipend during the fall portion of the program and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-05) on their transcripts for fall 2025.

ConnectionCorps participants selected to join the spring portion of the program will receive an additional $750 stipend.

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. (Important: This application is only for the fall portion of ConnectionCorps. Applicants do not need to commit now to applying for the second portion in the spring.)

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Use this form to apply to be a STRiVE coach, Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leader, and/or ConnectionCorps participant for the 2025 - 2026 academic year. Again, applications are due Friday, April 4, 2025.

If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at civiclife@umbc.edu. ]]> The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to play leading roles in its 2025 - 2026 programs as affiliates (peer leaders) with the Center. Affiliates... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147847/guest@my.umbc.edu/f0889a2c864401bd4c4b020b8e66eced/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/xxlarge.jpg?1741127441 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/xlarge.jpg?1741127441 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/large.jpg?1741127441 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/medium.jpg?1741127441 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/small.jpg?1741127441 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/xsmall.jpg?1741127441 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/847/763621090d7e8b40ac33448c1758bf2d/xxsmall.jpg?1741127441 0 0 true Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:31:27 -0500 Center for Democracy and Civic Life Intern Positions [PAID] Applications for 2025 - 2026 due April 4, 2025 The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is looking for undergraduate and graduate students to join our team as 2025 - 2026 interns. Interns support the Center's programs and initiatives, working collaboratively with other members of the staff. Each intern has a particular area of focus, but all members of the team are involved in developing and producing the Center's work. Interns work a minimum of 10 hours per week during the academic year, with some variation to be determined. Internships will begin in late August 2025 and conclude in May 2026.

The internships available for 2025-2026 are:

Special projects intern (undergraduate students only): Special projects interns support the planning and implementation of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s programs and initiatives. Tasks may include finding and compiling information, preparing instructional materials, ensuring the availability of program supplies, creating and distributing promotional materials, helping with program setup and cleanup, and guiding and checking in guests at program venues.

Graphic design intern (undergraduate and graduate students): Graphic design interns help to create and disseminate program materials, advertisements, and reports aligned with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's visual iconography. Tasks may include developing visual identities for Center programs and initiatives, translating existing designs to various formats or platforms, suggesting and contributing to the development of marketing strategies, and suggesting design and marketing possibilities to other members of the team. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have experience working in Adobe InDesign, Canva, Google Slides, and PowerPoint.

All intern positions pay $15.00/hour to start.

All undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in Alternative Spring Break (ASB), STRiVE, ConnectionCorps, and/or other Center for Democracy and Civic Life workshops or programs.

Use this form to apply to be an intern with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications are due on Friday, April 4, 2025.

If you have any questions about the application or the selection process, please email civiclife@umbc.edu. ]]> The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is looking for undergraduate and graduate students to join our team as 2025 - 2026 interns. Interns support the Center's programs and initiatives, working... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147846/guest@my.umbc.edu/7386049b37b6511c2a9f2e3f2e967f73/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/xxlarge.jpg?1741126940 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/xlarge.jpg?1741126940 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/large.jpg?1741126940 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/medium.jpg?1741126940 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/small.jpg?1741126940 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/xsmall.jpg?1741126940 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/846/6ecab3fdf44a8cb2af03f208ba594dca/xxsmall.jpg?1741126940 0 0 true Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:31:22 -0500